When you start a business, finding the first customers can feel impossible. Nobody knows you yet and there is little money for adverts. The good news is that your first 100 customers rarely come from adverts anyway. They come from people, visibility and good service.
Step 1: Start with people who already know you
Write a list of everyone you know: family, friends, church members, old classmates, colleagues, neighbours. Send each one a personal message, not a broadcast, explaining what you now do and asking for one thing: to try it, or to tell someone who might need it. Personal messages get far more replies than general posts.
Step 2: Make it easy to buy
Before you send people to your business, make sure buying is simple. Clear prices, a few good photos, how to pay, and how delivery works. Set up the free WhatsApp Business app with a catalogue. Confusion loses customers before you even get started.
Step 3: Be visible where your customers already are
- Post daily on WhatsApp status. Your contacts see it without you asking.
- Join local groups. Community, market, alumni and church groups often allow members to share their businesses. Respect group rules.
- Get on Google Maps. A free Google Business Profile helps nearby people find you. See our guide on getting found on Google Maps.
- Show up in person. A stand at an event, a sign outside, or samples at a busy spot can bring the first buyers.
Step 4: Give people a reason to try you now
A small launch offer helps people take the first step: a discount for the first week, free delivery for first orders, or a free extra with the first purchase. Keep it simple and time-limited. Do not discount so much that you lose money on every sale.
Step 5: Turn every customer into a messenger
Word of mouth is your strongest tool. After a good experience, ask: “If you were happy, please tell a friend or share our number.” Some businesses give a small reward to customers who bring someone new. Always ask satisfied customers if you can share their feedback.
Step 6: Keep in touch
Save every customer’s number with a label. A short follow-up after the sale and an occasional message about new stock bring many of them back. Getting one person to buy again is cheaper than finding a new one. Our guide on turning one-time buyers into repeat customers shows how.
Step 7: Track what works
Ask every new customer how they heard about you, and write it down. After your first 30 customers you will see which channels work best. Put more of your time there and less into what does not bring results.
Be patient, and be good
A hundred customers may take weeks or months. That is normal. What matters most is that the first ones have a great experience, because they bring the next ones. Share your progress and get ideas in the EDOKAN Business Community.
